Leis takes AEDG helm; Stratton to lead GLR and advance initiatives
The Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) has announced that Cindy Leis is its new President and CEO. This follows Dave Stratton's transition to President and CEO of the Greater Lima Region (GLR). Stratton has been with AEDG since 2015 and led the organization since 2019. Both boards have approved the transitions, which took effect on Monday, July 15.
This shift marks a new era for both AEDG www.aedg.org and GLR greaterlimaregion.com/. With Leis at the helm of AEDG and Stratton steering GLR, the two organizations are set to work collaboratively toward shared goals of supporting economic, business, and community development in Allen County and the surrounding region.
Leis’s primary goals will be infrastructure and site preparedness, attraction of new business, supporting existing businesses in Allen County and job creation in Allen County.
“Cindy brings the skills and experience needed to further the initiatives of AEDG. We are excited by this next chapter in our organization,” stated Eric Pohjala, Chairman of the AEDG Board.
Leis has been associated with AEDG for nine years as a Senior Project Manager, Director of Business Development, and the Executive Director for the Port Authority of Allen County. She has over 30 years of experience in economic and community development, where she has worked at the state, regional, and county levels, managing business retention and growth, industrial site development, and new business attraction efforts.
Stratton’s move to the GLR is a strategic step toward reinforcing the collaborative efforts between AEDG and GLR. The GLR aims to stimulate economic and community development across Allen County and support economic growth in the surrounding seven counties.
“I see the Greater Lima Region as a significant economic development organization that will support the work of the Allen Economic Development Group,” Stratton stated. “It is a privilege to lead such an impactful organization as the GLR. I am extremely excited to work in collaboration with partners in Allen County and the region.”
The GLR’s primary focus will be to support AEDG’s economic development efforts. This includes initiatives such as economic and business development, generational projects, downtown vibrancy, market-rate housing, workforce development, business advocacy and support, and marketing Allen County and the region.
ABOUT ALLEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP
The Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) is a public/private partnership that was formed in 1993 as a facilitator for countywide economic development. We work in collaboration with state and local partners to offer comprehensive services to current and prospective businesses considering Lima/Allen County as a place to grow.
ABOUT GREATER LIMA REGION, INC.
GLR IS A privately funded 501C3 tax exempt non-profit corporation. Its mission is to “Stimulate economic and community development across the eight-county Greater Lima Region” which includes Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, June 27, 2025
- Foundation launches Rooted to Rise initiative
- Eight vehicle injury crash IR 75 in Hancock County
- Bluffton Mayor commends Safety Services on June 26 injury accident response
- What's in your weekend?, June 27-28-29
- Go wolfhound to Bluffton
- Letter: Ask for veto of HB 96 library provision
- ODNR Offering Hunter Education Instructor Classes
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Bluffton safety services respond to multi-vehicle accidents on I-75
- Travel opportunities update from Bluffton Senior Center
- Send July 2025 Community Calendar items to the Icon
- National Night Out is August 5, planning is in final stages
- Bluffton Senior Center activities schedule for July 2025
- Does your business have summer hours? Post them on the Icon
- Bluffton, Ohio ranks 4th in Ohio for bike network quality
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025
- Anna Marie Beagle taught at Allen East Elementary
- Noteworthy dress rehearsal and concert with potluck in Ada, June 23 and 29
- First Bluffton Art Walk provides a welcome outing on a rainy day
- Hardin County Commissioners send letter objecting to HB 335
- Duckie Cosplay underway at Bluffton Public Library
- Upcoming BPL events, June 23-28